BeachesThe Ones I Have Visited

The photograph above is of the beach at Giannitsochori which is in Kyparissia Bay.

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Kyparissia Bay

There are many beaches along the bay of Kyparissia in the Western Peloponnese, the longest beach in the Mediterranean, where the mountains rise amongst olive groves and lush forest in an area renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, which is protected by the World Heritage Society.

Kyparissia and Kalo Nero beaches are both Blue Flag.

The magnificent sandy beach is 46 km long and it is only interrupted by the Alfios River and two smaller ones - Neda and Arkadikos. The really magnificent scenery is characterized by a coastal forest of pine trees along the upper part of the beach, by the biggest and richest area of sand dunes in Greece and by the intense ripple of the Ionian Sea that offers moments of peace and relaxation.

It it is also one of the main nesting places in the Mediterranean for the Loggerhead Turtle (Careta Careta.)

The sandy beach at Kyparissia is in a bay with very good facilities. The only time it is really busy is in August, but even then you can ususally find a sunbed and umbrella for which they do not charge, they just like you to buy a drink which is served to you on the beach. There is a very good taverana right on the beach and there is also a beautiful cafe/taverna overlooking the sea.

On the west coast of the Peloponnese about 5km from Kyparissia is the village called Kalo Nero meaning good water, with a huge sandy beach to the north and south. From about 2 km from the last houses and tavernas the beach is nearly deserted for a distance of more than 5 km.

Kalo Nero is a seaside village built in a fertile valley. Along the seashore in the village itself there are very good tavernas and also cafe bars.

In this area there are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas which, again, are not charged for. There are also hotels, studios and appaartments along the seafront and also in the village.

Giannitsohori has a cafe bar on the beach which offer free sunbeds and umbrellas.

Thollo and Kakovatos have nearby taverns with fresh fish and seafood. Here you can enjoy the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Elaia has a great sandy beach and is adjacent to the only pine forest left intact in the Western Peloponnese.

A few kilometers from Kakovatos is Zacharo village and further on the hot springs of Kaifas which are famous as a natural spa and for the stunning scenery of the area. On top of the east banks of the Kaiafas Lake, are two rocky hills where there are two caves, from these comes the natural spring water that form the spas .

Care should always be taken on the beaches in Kyparissia Bay because it is a nesting site for the Loggerhead Turtles and is monitored by the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece. Any nests should not be disturbed and turtles should not be helped to the sea as they must find their own way to the water. Also the beaches should not be visited at night as this is when the turtles lay their eggs.

Kalamata & Bouka

Kalamata Beach is a long, wide, public beach which has sand in parts and stone in others. The waters are crystal clear and also warm and calm due to the fact that the beach lies in the centre of Messenian Gulf. The sea is shallow at the edge and then deepens smoothly.

The sea-front stretches all the way from the Filoxenia Hotel at the eastern end of the bay, up to the harbour in the centre of town, and then on to the marina. The beach is Blue Flag rated for cleanliness, and has stunning views down the Messinian Gulf. It must be one of the best town beaches in Greece.

At the Filoxenia end the beach is backed by a stretch of large hotels but these soon give way to tavernas and cafes as you get closer to the centre.

The harbour area provides an interesting change, with the occasional cruise ship being replaced by oil tankers in the winter (olive oil that is!).

Bouka lies 4 kilometers away from the centre of Messini in an uninabited area. There are plenty of facilities along the sandy beach which is 500m long and 70m wide. There is a grove of pines, eucalyptus and oleander, and along the beach are palm trees.

Finikounta & Methoni

Finikounta Beach is in the picturesque village of Finkounta which is a well known tourist destination in the Peloponnese. The sandy beach spreads along the gulf and is ideal for summer holidaymakers who enjoy swimming in the clear water, just don't stand still for too long as there are little fish that bite your legs and feet!! It is convenient for families with small children and for anyone who chooses to have everything nearby.

Above the beach and along the coast you will find plenty of cafes and tavernas, along with many other shops.

The different beaches around Finikounta are easy to walk to. Paradise beach, which is located on the east side of Finikounda is just a few minutes walk from the heart of the town. The Anemomilos beach on the west side offers a broad stretch of golden sand. and is also accessible on foot. The water is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and sailing.

Methoni's beautiful beach spreads along the whole bay; from the area under the castle to the long stretch of sand at the other end of the bay. The beach is quite big and is covered by sand and pebbles. The clear shallow waters are ideal for little children.

The castle of Methoni and the octagonal tower (Bourdzi) are both visible from the beach creating a wonderful setting. There is a road just above the beach, where you can park, and there are many tavernas and cafes nearby.

Stoupa

Stoupa is a village on the coast of the historic region of the Mani Peninsular. It is part of the municipal unit of West Mani.

Once a sleepy little town, in the past few years more and more tourists have discovered Stoupa. There are about 20 restaurants lining the road along the beach, a few small hotels, and many rental houses. Besides Greek tourists, who come mostly in August, British, German, Dutch, French,Italian and Russian tourists visit in the summer season.

The main beach in Stoupa is a gently sweeping, sandy bay. Though it can get busy in peak season, it isn't usually hard to find a place to enjoy peace and quiet. It varies from year to year how many of the shops fronting the beach road offer sunbeds. Just like the In some places mountain springs bubble up, giving the swimmer a refreshing shock.

There are many tavernas, cafes, shops, hotels and apartments along the seafront in Stoupa. It is ideal for families, couple and people on their own.

Agios Andreas

Agios Andreas is a small village on the coast of the Messinian Bay, between Petalidi and Korini, about 40 km from Kalamata.

There is a beautiful 500 metre long sandy beach with 2 beach bars with sunbeds and umbrellas. The view across the bay to the Taygetos Mountains is amazing.

Agios Andreas has a small port in front of many tavernas and cafes with plenty of parking nearby, between the beach and the port.

There are many more beaches along the coastline of the Peloponnese. I have only visited the ones that are within reasonable distance from where we live. Sometimes the sea along the West coast beaches can be quite lively, but the ones in Kalamata, Bouka, Finikounta,Stoupa and Agios Andreas are generally very calm.